Is your VC Encore the Non-Cat/ Cat Model 2040 ? I have access to my fathers as he used it one year. Been sitting in garage so some rust on the ash lip. I've been hesitant on using it. Not sure why he took it out since I can't ask him.
I have a 2040. I am using it for my main hear source. I find the stove not hard to use. The cat will get hot if you clean out the stove completely. I leave at least 1 inch of ash. My cat stays below 1450 and I haven't had any issues with it. the cats are not expensive anyway.. 125 Keep the stove at a reasonable temperature and you'll be fine. I get long burn times which is great, youll enjoy not having to tend to the stove all the time. Im using an 8in stove pipe as my stacks not very tall, you want to make sure you have plenty of draft. some people will tell you 5hat down draft stoves don't work well... they do.. you just need the proper draft. People will also say they are high maintenance... I dont think so.. haven't had to do much to mine, and I run it every day of the week.. zits a good choice...